Del Monte Veggie Tray Cyclospora Outbreak Sickens More Than 200

More than 200 cases of cyclospora food poisoning have been linked to recalled Del Monte vegetable trays, according to a recent update issued by federal health officials.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Cyclospora outbreak update on July 5, indicating that at least 212 cases have been confirmed in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan, resulting in at least seven hospitalizations.

During traceback investigations by the CDC and FDA, most ill people reported consuming pre-packaged Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays from their local grocery store or at convenience locations several days prior to their illness onset.

The vegetables were processed by Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. of Coral Gable, Florida, where they were distributed for sale in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Known grocery stores which received these potentially contaminated products include Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, Food Max Supermarket and Peapod in Illinois.

Products included in the recall have a “Best if Enjoyed By” date of June 17, 2018 and were sold in 6 ounce trays with UPC code 7 1752472715 2, 12 ounce trays with UPC code 7 1752472518 9, and 28 ounce trays with UPC code 7 1752478604 3.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that can cause an intestinal illness known as Cyclosporiasis. The parasite is spread typically by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Individuals experiencing the food poisoning illness typically suffer symptoms for about a week, which may include watery diarrhea, frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements, and loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pains, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. The CDC warns that infected persons also sometimes experience vomiting, body aches, headaches, fever and other symptoms that could be mistaken for the flu. However, some people infected with the parasite develop no symptoms.

The FDA is advising consumers to properly discard the recalled products immediately to prevent further spread of contamination. If the source of the vegetable trays in the home cannot be determine, officials are warning to not eat them out of an abundance of caution.